A 35-year-old truck driver from Madhya Pradesh sustained critical injuries after two trucks collided head-on on the Southern Bypass in Ludhiana late Thursday night. The accident occurred around 11:30 pm, leaving the driver trapped in the mangled cabin of his vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses, the impact of the collision was severe, with both trucks sustaining extensive damage. Other commuters on the highway rushed to help the trapped driver, struggling for nearly 30 minutes to extricate him from the wreckage. An ambulance was called, and the injured driver was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed he is now out of danger.
Traffic Disruption and Commuter Ordeal
The collision blocked the Southern Bypass for several hours, causing a traffic jam that stretched up to three kilometers. Commuters reported being stuck for hours, with some waiting since early morning. Surinder Kumar, a truck driver stuck in the jam since 4 am, alleged that despite informing the police, the mangled vehicles were not removed promptly. “There was a two to three km-long traffic jam, and authorities didn’t clear it,” he said.
Another truck driver, a resident of Moga heading to Jammu, claimed he was stuck for almost six hours. He criticized the police for a lax attitude, stating that vehicle owners were asked to arrange a crane themselves, which delayed clearance. A driver traveling from Doraha to Pathankot echoed similar frustrations, saying commuters suffered due to the delay.
Police Response and Investigation
Sarabha Nagar Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Vijay Kumar stated that the injured driver’s family has been informed and is expected to arrive in Ludhiana to record a statement with the police. Regarding the traffic issues, Kumar said vehicular movement resumed in the morning after the trucks were shifted to the roadside. A crane was called to fully clear the highway and prevent further obstacles.
The police are investigating the cause of the collision, though no official statement has been released yet. The identity of the injured driver has not been disclosed pending family notification.
